Fostering - The Joy of Watching a Child Grow and Develop

Have you ever thought of fostering a child and experience the joy of watching them grow and develop?

The Western Trust’s Fostering and Recruitment Team are inviting you to attend one of our Fostering Information Events taking place across the Western Trust area this month.

Why should you come along to one of our events?

To find out more about fostering;

To talk to staff from the fostering team who can answer any questions you may have; and

To speak with Fostercarers who can share their experiences of caring with you.

Vanessa Nelis, Fostering Recruitment Officer for the Western Trust said: “Being a foster carer can be a really rewarding and enriching experience. Recently, we asked some of our carers why they decided to foster and what it means to them. Their comments included: “Knowing you are looking for real people with life experience. I think people believe that they may not be good enough… knowing there’s ongoing training and support,” “Thinking about the extra rooms I had and the contentment I could give to a child and also the fulfilment I got from it. It’s the best thing I ever did”, “Watching them bloom from when they came to us until now”, “It’s the love and the life the children bring to your home.”

Vanessa added: “People often think they can’t foster because they are single, work, or are too old, but none of these things matter. People from all walks of life can foster – don’t rule yourself out. If you are resilient, flexible and have the energy, time, commitment and feel that you could help a child to grow and develop through your care and support, then come along to our information evenings and find out more. The Western Trust’s information evenings take place on the following dates:

Monday 19 February 2018 at Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Tuesday 20 February 2018 at Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Wednesday 21 February 2018 at Da Vinci’s, Londonderry from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Thursday 22 February 2018 at Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

If you would like further information please contact Vanessa Nelis, Western Trust Fostering Recruitment Officer on T: (028) 028 8283 5264/7131 4244 or email: Vanessa.nelis@westerntrust.hscni.net

Alternatively you can call HSC Regional Adoption and Fostering Service on 0800 0720 137 or enquire online.